Monday, 7 March 2011

Simple accordion sketchbook

I am experimenting with making the absolutely simplest kind of accordion sketchbook - a long strip of paper, folded accordion style, and framed by a piece of thick cardstock at either end.

I cut a large sheet of Fabriano drawing paper into 16 cm wide bands, folded them, and stuck the sections together using a glue and narrow strips of strong thin paper. Next time I will use a spray mount instead of glue - the moisture made the paper buckle in the glued folds.

For the covers I cut pieces of thick, archival quality, acid free card stock slightly larger than the pages of the book - these extend 5 mm beyond the edge of the sketchbook pages.

It is possible to leaf through the pages, or to open the book completely into a long strip. Without a back the sketchbook is quite wobbly to sit with or hold in one's hand, and it works best with a flat surface to place it on while working.

I am thinking that a loose cover sleeve, with pockets for the stiff end-cards, might work when sketching out and about.

SKETCHING IN AARHUS

I run the group "Aarhus tegnerne" on Facebook, where we arrange sketching meet-ups in town every third Sunday of each month. Feel free to join us for some urban sketching. We are always open for new people and skill level is of no consequence - join the group, or simply turn up for one of our sketch-outings.